Bus driver dies while driving passengers

KABC

A driver was killed after her bus hit a fire hydrant, a few cars and power lines in Harbor Gateway on Wednesday.

December 9, 2009 12:19:20 AM PST

HARBOR GATEWAY, Calif. --

A driver suffered a fatal heart attack while driving passengers. Her bus then hit a fire hydrant, a few cars and power lines and ended up in opposing traffic lanes in Harbor Gateway on Wednesday.Authorities responded to the area of the 200 block of South Normandie Avenue at about 5:45 a.m. after the accident involving a Gardena municipal bus. It was initially reported as an MTA bus.

The bus sheared off a fire hydrant, causing water to shoot into the air. Officials worked to get the water turned off.

Downed power lines also shut off power in the area. The Department of Water and Power said 3,300 customers were affected by the power outage.

Lynne Marie Monson, the 47-year-old female bus driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said she died of a heart attack.